Fleetwood Park Secondary Sikh Students Association hosts school’s first-ever langar
Members and volunteers from Fleetwood Park Secondary's Sikh Students Association hosted the first-ever langar for the school community, serving 280 vegetarian meals to students and staff. In Sikhism, a langar is a free community kitchen at gurdwaras that provides meals to anyone regardless of caste, creed or religion.
Sikh students at Fleetwood Park Secondary recently showed their generosity as the school’s Sikh Students Association organized its first langar for the school community, serving 280 meals while spreading awareness about Sikh values of equality, service and community.
In January, students from the association and dozens of volunteers organized and ran the inaugural langar, known in Sikhism as a free community kitchen found in every gurdwara that provides vegetarian meals to anyone who wishes to join, regardless of caste, creed or religion. The goal of the event was to introduce the school community to this meaningful aspect of Sikh culture while creating an opportunity for students and staff to come together, connect and learn through a shared meal.
Fleetwood Park Secondary's first-ever langar served as an opportunity for students to give back through service, raise awareness for Sikh values and connect with others through a shared meal.
“The idea came from students who wanted to create an inclusive experience where everyone, regardless of background, could sit together and share a meal as equals,” said teacher Jasdeep Kaur Sandhu. “Langar represents unity and humility, and students felt this was a meaningful way to bring those principles into our school environment.
“It was also an opportunity to educate the broader school community about Sikh traditions in a hands-on and welcoming way.”
The association began two years ago after students from Sandhu’s Punjabi class expressed interest in learning more about Sikh history, and was formed to create a safe and supportive space where Sikh students could explore their identity and deepen their understanding of their faith and heritage.
As the students began learning more, Sandhu said they wanted to share their history and practices with their school community, leading to the langar and other events at Fleetwood Park. Last June, the association organized a day to serve chabeel, a refreshing rose-flavoured summer drink.
“Through events and education, the group encourages leadership, service, and cultural pride among students,” she said. “It also aims to promote intercultural understanding and build bridges within the broader school community.”
Sandhu said the generosity of the association’s members and volunteers aligns with the three pillars of Sikhism:
- Naam Japna (meditation and remembrance of God);
- Kirat Karni (earning an honest living); and
- Vand ke Chakna (giving and sharing with others).
“The students’ willingness to volunteer their time and energy reflects the deep-rooted value of seva, or selfless service,” said Sandhu. “The level of student engagement demonstrated a strong sense of ownership and pride in hosting the langar for the school community.
“Their generosity extends beyond cultural events – it is reflected in how they support peers, staff and the wider community. They see service not as an obligation, but as a privilege and responsibility.”
